Written Answers Nos. 163-180
163. Deputy Pearse Doherty asked the Minister for Health the proposed pay levels for the chief executives of the new hospitals groups; if he has proposed bonus payments for these posts; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13776/13]
View answerThe salary rate for Hospital Group CEOs has been set at National Director Level 3 - €145,959. The feasibility of offering a more flexible package encompassing higher on target earnings associated directly with improved performance was explored but it was decided that this would not be sustainable in current circumstances. The salary for these positions, as with all senior public service posts, will be subject to reduction in line with the arrangements announced by the Government in the context of the public service pay talks which concluded on 25th February last.
164. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Health the extent to which expenditure throughout the health service remains on target to date; if any particular sector has indicated a tendency to overrun; the way performance in various sectors to date corresponds with a similar period in 2012; if he expects to take any corrective action; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14346/13]
View answerAs I set out to the Deputy recently, my Department, the Department of Public Expenditure and Reform and the HSE are working collaboratively on a Financial Improvement Programme with a view to strengthening the Health Service Executive's financial and performance management and reporting systems during 2013. Notwithstanding this, there is ongoing and intensive engagement each month between officials from my Department and the HSE in the context of regular monitoring of expenditure. My Department also provides detailed analysis each month on expenditure trends to the Department of Public Expenditure and Reform, and there is regular engagement between officials from that Department, my own Department and the HSE. The HSE's Performance Report, which is published every month, provides an overall analysis of key performance data from Finance, HR, Hospital and Primary & Community Services. The activity data reported is based on Performance Activity and Key Performance Indicators outlined in the HSE National Service Plan. The January Performance Report is due to be published shortly, and is the most recent data available. The Report will be available to view on the HSEs website - www.hse.ie.
166. Deputy John Halligan asked the Minister for Health when the framework on smaller hospitals report will be published; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14351/13]
View answer168. Deputy Richard Boyd Barrett asked the Minister for Health when the framework on smaller hospitals report will be published; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14350/13]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 166 and 168 together.
I plan to publish, with Government approval, Securing the Future of Smaller Hospitals: A Framework for Development to offer clear information about the role of our smaller hospitals and what they will do in the future. While the Framework focusses in particular on the role of nine smaller hospitals - the names of which follow - which have been the subject of particular attention from the HIQA, the principles behind it will apply to all smaller hospitals, regardless of whether or not they are specifically referenced. The hospitals in question are: Dublin North East - Our Lady’s Hospital Navan and Louth County Hospital Dundalk; Dublin Mid-Leinster - St. Colmcille’s Loughlinstown; South - Mallow and Bantry; and West, - Ennis, Nenagh, St. John’s Limerick and Roscommon County Hospital.
In developing the framework to address the development of smaller hospitals, this Government is clear that:
- there is an important future role for smaller hospitals, in which they will provide services for more patients, not fewer
- no acute hospital will close, and
- safety issues in all acute hospitals, large or small, must be fully addressed, by providing the right type of service, for the right patient in the right setting.
This Framework will demonstrate clearly that the future of smaller hospitals is secure. It will set out what services can and should be delivered safely by these hospitals in the interest of better outcomes for patients.
167. Deputy Peadar Tóibín asked the Minister for Health if he will detail plans for service change at Navan hospital, County Meath, for the full year 2013; the services that will be lost and gained; if he will detail staff changes expected for the same period; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13772/13]
View answerThe Framework for Smaller Hospitals defines the role of the smaller hospitals. It outlines the need for smaller hospitals, such as Navan, and larger hospitals to operate together. The Framework outlines the wide range of services that can be provided within the smaller hospital. It defines the need for the smaller hospital to be supported within a group of hospitals in terms of education and training, continuous professional development, the sustainable recruitment of high quality clinical staff and the safe management of patients who present with varying levels of complexity. It also sets out to address the categories of services that should transfer from the larger to the smaller hospitals and vice versa within a Hospital Group so that services are delivered in the most appropriate hospital. I am determined to ensure that as many services as possible can be provided safely and appropriately in smaller, local hospitals. On this basis, the organisation of hospital services nationally, regionally and locally will be informed by the ongoing development of the HSE Clinical Programmes. With this in mind the Framework will set out what services can and should be delivered safely by these hospitals in the interest of better outcomes for patients.
In relation to the specific hospital named by the Deputy, I have been informed by the HSE that it is planned that the OLHN as part of the Louth Meath Hospital Group (LMHG), will deliver at minimum similar activity volume and range as undertaken during 2012. In addition, OLHN will continue to meet the National targets for waiting times for inpatient elective procedures, day case procedures and all endoscopy procedures. I have been further informed that there are currently no planned changes to any service in OLHN other than planned seasonal closures which are scheduled every year to coincide with holiday periods, such as Easter, Summer Term break and Christmas. In terms of service improvements / gains, a second Consultant Rheumatologist has now been appointed to OLHN to further extend the Regional Rheumatology service and provide early and rapid access for patients requiring this service. In addition two permanent Consultant appointments have been made in Endocrinology/Diabetology and Gastroenterology. Both of these appointments have shared sessions with Our Lady of Lourdes, Hospital, Drogheda (OLOL).
With regard to finances, the recent budget allocation for LMHG reflected an uplift of 13.9% on the allocated budget for 2012. Whilst this does not reflect additional monies for Our Lady's Hospital Navan it does mean that the allocation is based on the outturn for 2012. This will ensure that the principles outlined in the service plan of maintaining services and capacity can be confidently managed. The Director General Designate of the HSE has informed me that he put alternative governance arrangements in place for LMHG on 1 December 2012. The LMHG management team no longer report via the Integrated Service Area or Regional Director of Operations but through an Executive Chair. The Executive Chair has a direct reporting relationship with the Deputy Director General/Chief Operating Officer. With regard to staffing for 2013, the HSE informs me that at this point in time there are very few anticipated retirements as many staff availed of the early retirement opportunities in 2012.
170. Deputy David Stanton asked the Minister for Health if his Department has a memorandum of understanding with any other Department to facilitate innovation and job creation; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13702/13]
View answerMy Department does not have a Memorandum of Understanding with any other Department to facilitate innovation and job creation. As the Deputy will be aware, the main mission of my Department is to "To improve the health and well-being of people in Ireland in a manner that promotes better health for everyone, fair access, responsive and appropriate care delivery, and high performance". Research and innovation in health can benefit both the economic and societal/health agendas. My Department works closely with the Department of Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation in relation to the Action Plan for Health Research; the Prioritisation Action Group and the Action Plan for Jobs to ensure synergies between health research and the wider research and innovation agenda.
Through the Health Research Board my Department concentrates on investment in research in population health sciences, health services research, integrating clinical infrastructure and translational research and it is important to recognise that this investment has a dual purpose. On the one hand, these research areas enable the generation of evidence to inform policy, improve clinical practice and create opportunities for improved health care delivery and better health outcomes. At the same time, research in these areas can benefit the wider economic agenda which aims to further develop the health care industry in Ireland for the domestic and potentially international markets. It can do so by strengthening the infrastructure, capability and capacity that will enable, inter alia, the identification, development, validation and potentially the adoption of enterprise outputs within the health system.
171. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade his views on recent reports in the United States that one of the proposed conditions for the new immigration reform Bill will provide for the offer of legal status to undocumented immigrants for those who have registered with the Homeland Security Department; his views that such probationary legal status would enable immigrants to work legally but would be ineligible for social services; if there is any indication of the likely timeframe for such persons to obtain permanent resident status or citizenship; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14148/13]
View answer172. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade the time frame for the presentation of the proposed bipartisan immigration reform Bill to the United States Congress; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14150/13]
View answer179. Deputy Tom Fleming asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade if he discussed the plight of the undocumented Irish in the US with President Obama and senior American politicians during his visit to Washington; if any progress was made; the outcome of these discussions; the persons that attended these meetings; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13913/13]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 171, 172 and 179 together.
The welfare of the Irish abroad in general and especially the position of undocumented Irish immigrants in the United States remains an important priority for the Government. A resolution of the situation for undocumented Irish immigrants will continue to be pursued by the Government in our ongoing contacts with the US Administration and Congress. During our visit to Washington this week, the Taoiseach and I discussed the latest prospects for progress with President Obama, Senators McCain, Leahy and Schumer. The matter also featured prominently during my meeting with Secretary of State Kerry and with Senator Isakson.
The advice of Ireland’s friends and contacts within the US Administration and Congress has long been that comprehensive reform of the US immigration system and procedures is likely to be the only manner by which a resolution for our undocumented can be achieved. The prospects for such reform would appear to have advanced in the wake of President Obama’s re-election. The emphasis he placed on immigration reform in his inauguration address as well as his subsequent speech on the issue on 29 January and his State of the Union address on 12 February sent a very positive signal in this regard. The indications of emerging bipartisan support for reform in Congress is also encouraging.
Through our Embassy in Washington and in close liaison with Irish-American community representatives, our contacts with the US Administration and Congress continue with a view to ensuring that the interests and concerns of undocumented Irish immigrants are captured in any future legislative deal in this area that emerges. In addition to the meetings in the US this week, I raised the issue with then Secretary of State Hillary Clinton during our bilateral meeting on 6 December last and recalled our strong support for comprehensive immigration legislation and the passage of E3 visas for Irish citizens. I spoke with Senator John McCain on 8 February last to express the Government’s appreciation for the efforts he and others are making in developing bipartisan Senate proposals and to underline our ongoing interest in the issue. I also spoke with Senator Patrick Leahy on 25 February and met with Senator Kirsten Gillibrand during her recent visit to Dublin on 8 March.
Much further debate and discussion is likely to be required within the US political system as to what any future legislative deal might comprise. It is therefore not possible at this stage to identify an exact timescale in which these may become clear but the area will continue to receive the Government’s close attention over the period ahead.
173. Deputy Maureen O'Sullivan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade if he will engage further with the authorities in Burma on the abuse of human rights of the Rohingya people who are deprived of basic civil entitlements like the right to education, land ownership and so on, now facing the triple threat of disease, starvation and violence; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14217/13]
View answerThe Government continues to closely monitor reports of human rights abuses of the Rohingya people in Burma/Myanmar and is concerned about the situation. While Ireland’s diplomatic relations with Burma/Myanmar are maintained on a secondary accreditation basis via our Embassy in Vietnam, and through the Embassy of Burma/Myanmar in London, we continue also to work through the mechanisms of the EU and UN to ensure that human rights are respected in Burma/Myanmar, including those of the Rohingya people.
On 28 January 2013, the Irish Ambassador in Hanoi presented his credentials to become the first Ambassador of Ireland accredited to Burma/Myanmar. Following accreditation, the Ambassador met with both the President and Foreign Minister of Burma/Myanmar and discussed a range of issues, including the human rights situation in Rakhine State. As an elected member of the Human Rights Council, Ireland is working closely with partners at the Council to ensure the continuation of international scrutiny of the human rights situation in Burma/Myanmar. At the 67th session of the United Nations General Assembly Ireland along with our international partners urged the Government of Burma/Myanmar to accelerate its efforts to address human rights concerns and called upon the Government there to grant safe, timely, full and unhindered access across Rakhine State.
President Thein Sein visited Brussels on 5 March. He met with High Representative Catherine Ashton as well as with President of the Commission José Manuel Barroso and President of the European Council Herman Van Rompuy. Following this latter meeting, a Joint Statement was released in which both sides agreed to work in partnership to promote human rights and the rule of law for all people living in Burma/Myanmar, including the Rohingya.
Ireland’s recent experience in development cooperation in Vietnam, Laos, and Cambodia as well as in Timor Leste is relevant to Burma/Myanmar, and we stand ready to share this experience to assist in its development and democratisation. To date, Irish Aid has provided over €7m to Burma / Myanmar through NGOs and Irish missionaries for long term development and emergency and recovery responses. Ireland will continue to urge the Government of Burma/Myanmar, both bilaterally and through the relevant multilateral channels, to address the human rights situation of the Rohingya.
174. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade if he will report on the discussions at the recent Foreign Affairs Council in relation to the request of Mr. Idris for arms and military equipment due to the ongoing conflict in Syria; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14235/13]
View answerI attended the Foreign Affairs Council meeting in Brussels on 11 March where an extremely useful exchange of views was held with the UN-League of Arab States Special Envoy, Lakhdar Brahimi. Mr Brahimi briefed the Council on the situation on the ground as well as on the prospects for a political solution to the two-year old conflict. Drawing our attention to the increasingly destructive war of attrition between the Syrian army and the opposition forces, he reaffirmed his view that only a political solution can bring about an end to the harrowing violence in Syria. He also appealed to the EU to continue using its leverage with other countries of influence to advance the prospects for a political settlement. Observing that the continuous flow of arms into Syria is part of the problem, Mr Brahimi endorsed the view of UN Secretary General Ban that supplying arms and ammunition will only exacerbate an already destructive conflict, leading to more casualties and greater destabilisation of the wider region.
When High Representative Ashton received the Chief of Staff of the Syrian Supreme Military Council, General Idriss, earlier this month in Brussels, she made clear to him that EU support for the people of Syria, other than the already substantial contribution being made to UN-led humanitarian efforts, could not go beyond the provision of non-lethal equipment and technical assistance intended for the protection of civilians. Along with most EU member States, Ireland is of the view that lifting the current EU embargo on the supply of arms and military equipment would contribute to further militarisation of the conflict and to greater proliferation of arms in Syria and in neighbouring countries. We also believe that it could undermine the efforts currently underway to promote a peaceful political solution to the crisis.
175. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade if he has invited Mr. al-Khatib leader of the Syrian National Coalition to visit Ireland; if arrangements have been made for such a visit; the agenda for discussions; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14239/13]
View answerI had the pleasure of meeting with the Syrian National Coalition President, Dr Al Khatib, when he addressed the EU Foreign Affairs Council on 10 December. Subsequently, my colleague Joe Costello T.D., Minister of State for Trade and Development, met briefly with Dr Al Khatib and his colleagues at the Friends of Syria meeting in Marrakesh on 12 December. It was suggested that a meeting in Dublin would be opportune, especially in view of our current EU Presidency role. Against this background, I wrote to Dr. Al Khatib in January formally inviting him to travel to Dublin at a mutually convenient time to discuss the Coalition’s activities and its vision for a new, post-Assad Syria.
Ireland supports the Syrian National Coalition in its efforts to unite all those elements of the Syrian opposition which are committed to democratic values and to fashioning a new, inclusive and democratic Syria. I have also made clear that I welcome Dr Al Khatib’s recent offer of initiating talks with the Assad regime which hopefully may prove to be a catalyst in achieving the beginning of a genuine political process of transition within Syria. Our Embassy in Cairo continues to be in contact with Dr. Al Khatib and the SNC, including in relation to identifying a suitable opportunity for him to travel to Ireland.
176. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade if his attention has been drawn to widespread commentary that humanitarian aid to Syria is not reaching the persons most in need; his views on the reports that the distribution of this aid is controlled by the Assad regime; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14240/13]
View answer177. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade the systems in place to ensure that the Irish humanitarian aid to Syria and neighbouring areas is being distributed to the people most in need; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14242/13]
View answer178. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade if there were discussions at the recent EU Foreign Affairs Council in relation to reports that humanitarian aid is not reaching the people most in need in Syria; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14243/13]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 176 to 178, inclusive, together.
It is clear that the humanitarian situation in Syria is deteriorating rapidly, causing further suffering and untold hardship for over four million people affected by the crisis. The United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Assistance (OCHA) estimates that almost 70,000 people have been killed as a result of the conflict and over 3 million have been displaced from their homes. Over 1.1 million Syrian refugees have fled to neighbouring countries.
We are very aware of the challenges involved in reaching those most in need in Syria, and I have consistently raised our concerns about humanitarian access at the EU Foreign Affairs Council. The constraints are many. Excessive controls on aid agencies working in the country, the fragmentation of the armed opposition and the intensity of military confrontations have made the operating environment extremely volatile and insecure, particularly in opposition-controlled areas. Restrictions imposed by the Assad regime, combined with logistical constraints and increasing insecurity, make it very difficult to access populations in need of humanitarian assistance. Nevertheless, I am satisfied that our key partners on the ground are succeeding in reaching vulnerable populations. Since last October, the UN World Food Programme (WFP) has been delivering assistance to 1.5 million people each month. Almost half of this aid has been delivered in disputed or opposition-controlled areas. Other partners such as the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC), working with the Syria Arab Red Crescent (SARC), have been reaching areas inaccessible to the UN. We believe it is essential, however, that the international community increase the scale and scope of humanitarian assistance in order to meet the increasing level of needs across the country.
In January, negotiations between the UN and the Government of Syria resulted in agreement to allow for the delivery of humanitarian assistance across conflict lines. The UN also negotiated authorisation from the Government of Syria to establish an international field presence. The UN base in Homs has had an immediate impact in increasing the delivery of aid. Additional implementing partners, approved by the Government of Syria and vetted by the UN, have been contracted to expand the reach of humanitarian assistance across the country. The ICRC and SARC have succeeded through negotiation in delivering much-needed food and essential household items to a number of opposition-held areas, most recently Al-Houleh in Homs province.
The meeting of the EU Foreign Affairs Council which I attended in Brussels on 18 February, explicitly reaffirmed the leading role of the UN in providing assistance to Syria and to neighbouring countries which are hosting the large number of refugees from the conflict. The Council also committed the EU to taking steps towards providing humanitarian assistance to all areas in the country, including those currently not reached by humanitarian aid. At the most recent meeting of the Council, on 11 March, we held further discussions on the deteriorating humanitarian situation with the Special Envoy of the UN and the Arab League, Lakhdar Brahimi.
The UN and other humanitarian partners aim to reach 2.5 million people across all areas of Syria over coming months. Such an increase in humanitarian assistance will depend on the support of the Government of Syria and the Opposition to facilitate safe access to vulnerable populations. The availability of funds is also critical. It is estimated that over €1.1 billion will be needed for the response in Syria until the end of June. Ireland has responded swiftly and generously to the humanitarian crisis in Syria and to date has provided over €7 million in humanitarian assistance through long-standing and reputable partners such as WFP, UNICEF, UNHCR, ICRC, and international Non-Governmental Organisations. We work through partners which have a demonstrated track record of effective humanitarian response in Syria, with strong targeting, delivery and accountability mechanisms to provide live-saving assistance to the people most in need. We are continuing to monitor the situation to review the effectiveness of our contribution and asses how we can respond further to humanitarian needs in Syria and the region.
180. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade his views on correspondence (details supplied) regarding diplomatic relations with the Holy See; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13916/13]
View answerAs I have stated consistently, the decision to close the resident Embassy to the Holy See will not be reversed in the immediate term. However, in the context of the budgetary situation, I will continue to review the deployment of our diplomatic resources overseas. Any discussions with the Holy See on arrangements whereby it might be possible to re-establish a resident Embassy at a future date are best conducted in confidence.
